Ndanga however refused to divulge more details on the reasons for suspending Mponda, saying he needed to be heard at disciplinary hearing.

“We cannot be charging him in the media. NEC discussed the reasons for the suspension but the matter will go for full hearing by the disciplinary committee,” he said.

Ndanga: UDF to kick-start primaries

But some party insiders said the reason for suspension was to do with financial abuse.

Ndanga said he could not discuss the matter in the media because Mponda has not given defence to his charges, saying they were “serious allegations.”

Meanwhile, Ndanga confirmed that UDF politburo filled the positions of treasurer general and campaign director.

The party appointed former diplomat Carlton Sichinga as its new treasurer general replacing Austin Kajiso Gondwe who passed away.

UDF has also appointed former trade unionist Austin Kalimanjira as its campaign director . He takes over from Edward Chitete who was killed in a road accident last week.

“We all look forward to working with Carlton Sichinga and Austin Kalimanjira as we continue to change our party. The rebuilding process is already underway and their experience will be invaluable as UDF prepares for a crucial period of election,” said Ndanga.

Kalimanjira said he shares UDF president Atupele Muluzi’s “appetite to modernise the party, change the way we engage with people and offer them an exciting vision of what UDF believes Malawi beyond 50 years of independence can be.”

UDF meeting also agreed that the party should start conducting primary elections for its ward and parliamentary candidates in the next 21 days in phases.